15 Interesting Facts About Austin

Introduction:

Austin, the capital of Texas, is a vibrant city imbued with culture and energy. It boasts an iconic music scene, eccentric shops, and a flourishing culinary center. There are plenty of interesting facts to learn about this city, which is why it is loved so much by its inhabitants and visitors alike. Here are 15 intriguing and surprising facts about the city of Austin.

Fact 1: Austin Is Home To The World’s Largest Urban Bat Population

Located under the Congress Avenue Bridge lies the largest urban bat colony in the world. Each night during the summer, the bridge is filled with up to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats, creating a spectacular moment for those who come to watch the sunset while the bats soar above. Seeing these creatures swarm above is truly an unforgettable sight.

Fact 2: Austin Is Home To The Only Theatrically Released 3D Film

Released back in 1973, Austin is home to the only theater film that was released with 3D technology. The horror movie called ‘The Mask’ was the first feature films to ever take advantage of the then groundbreaking technology, prompting many other movies to follow suit.

Fact 3: Austin Used To Be Known As Waterloo

Before the name Austin was adopted, the city was briefly referred to as ‘Waterloo’. This name was in use from 1839 to 1842 and was chosen to honor Stephen F. Austin, the ‘Father of Texas’ and founder of the city, who also was known as the ‘Father of the Texas Republic’.

Fact 4: Austin Was Home To The Only Drive-In Movie Theatre In Central Texas

At one point in Austin’s history, the city was home to the only drive-in movie theater in Central Texas. The Brazos Drive-In was opened in the late 1940s and quickly became a popular spot for families and teenagers alike. It closed in 1976 due to increasing competition from multiplexes but its memory still lives on in the city.

Fact 5: Austin Is Home To The World’s Biggest Urban Wilderness Area

Austin is home to the largest urban wilderness area in the world. The Barton Creek Greenbelt stretches for 8 miles and spans an impressive 3,000 acres, making it a beloved spot for locals and visitors who are looking to escape into nature. Visitors can take in the lush forests, rock-climbing cliffs, and pristine hiking trails that the wilderness area offers.

Fact 6: The University Of Texas At Austin Is The Most Expensive Public University In The U.S.

The University of Texas at Austin is the most expensive public university in the U.S. Tuition and fees for a full-time undergraduate student add up to an astonishing $17,139 per semester. And that’s not all, the university also boasts an endowment of over 3 billion dollars.

Fact 7: Austin Is Home To The “Live Music Capital Of The World”

Austin is often referred to as the “Live Music Capital of the World”. This is because the city is home to more music venues per capita than any other city in the US. With over 250 live music venues, the city’s music scene is just as lively and prolific as ever.

Fact 8: Austin Is Home To The Texas State Capitol

The Texas State Capitol is located in Austin and is a stunning testament to the city’s past and present. Constructed in 1888, the Capitol is the largest statehouse in the US and is an iconic landmark in the city. Tourists can wander around the capitol’s lush grounds and admire the beautiful architectures that the building has to offer.

Fact 9: Austin Was The First City In the U.S. To Provide Free Colored Radio Service

Austin was the first city in the U.S. to provide free colored radio service. The first station, KNWC, which was founded in the 1920s, was the first to broadcast music exclusively for the African-American community.

Fact 10: Austin Is Home To The First American-Style Shopping Center

Grocery shopping never looked so good. The first American-style shopping center in the U.S. can be found in Austin. The Hancock Shopping Center, which was established in 1938, is a timeless and unique piece of architecture. It is also one of the oldest continuously operating shopping centers in the US.

Fact 11: Austin Was The First City In The U.S. To Start An Anti-Grafitti Program

In the early 1980s, Austin was the first city in the U.S. to launch an anti-graffiti program. The city implemented new laws that prohibited the sale of spray paint and certain markers to minors. The city also made property owners responsible for cleaning up any graffiti on their property.

Fact 12: Austin Hosts The Largest Free-Flight Aviary In The U.S.

The Exotic Bird Sanctuary at Lion’s Municipal Park is the largest free-flight aviary in the U.S. Spanning 14 acres, the aviary houses over 200 power birds from over 40 different species. Visitors can also take part in bird-related activities such as educational seminars, bird-watching safaris, and feeding the birds.

Fact 13: Austin Is Home To The Oldest Cafe In Texas

The Texas Coffee Company is the oldest cafe in the State of Texas. Located in downtown Austin, this local cafe has been in operation since 1870. The cafe is still open today, welcoming in patrons to enjoy a cup of locally roasted in-house coffee.

Fact 14: Austin Is Home To The World’s Largest Bat Striping Party

Every August, Austin hosts the world’s largest bat-striping party. Thousands of people get together to paint the Congress Avenue Bridge with images of bats to help raise awareness for the city’s iconic bat population.

Fact 15: Austin Is Home To The One Of The Largest Urban Bike Trails

The Elroy-Shelby Bike Trail is one of the largest urban bike trails in the US. Spanning 18 incredible miles, this trail boasts breathtaking scenery and stunning views of the city. And with 71 access points along the way, it makes for a great way to explore Austin.

Conclusion

Austin is full of fascinating history and culture. From home to the world’s largest urban bat population, to the oldest cafe in Texas, the city offers something new and exciting to discover. These 15 facts are just a few of many more stories and tidbits that the city has to offer.